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Research in Finland

Finland invests in knowledge-based competence and aims to increase the overall standard of
education. The Government Programme stresses the role of research as the foundation of knowledge
and know-how, which in turn promote sustainable economic growth and immaterial as well as material
welfare.

In 2012, research and development expenditure represented 3.6 % of the gross domestic product
(GPD) and that of public research funding was around 1 %.

Finland’s strategy and roadmap for research infrastructures 2014–2020

The Finnish Research Infrastructure Committee (FIRI Committee), a body appointed by the Academy
of Finland, has published Finland’s first national research infrastructure strategy as well as an
updated infrastructure roadmap.

The roadmap is a plan for key research infrastructures in Finland that are either under
development or that will be newly required over the next 10–15 years. Research infrastructures form
a reserve of research facilities, equipment, materials and services. As such, they are essential
instruments for research.

Finnish Science Barometer 2013: Finns have high trust in science

Science, both as an institution and more specifically through certain organisations,
is highly trusted by Finns. The quality of Finnish science and research is considered to hold a
high standard, and the percentage of Finns who have strong confidence in the ability of science to
produce reliable and accurate results is high. The prospects for science in Finland are also viewed
as positive.
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Resolution on comprehensive reform of research institutes and research funding

The Government has
approved resolution on comprehensive reform of research institutes and research
funding. The resolution specifies three packages of measures for the reform of research
institutes and research funding and identifies the ministry responsible in each case.

These three sets of measures comprise structural reforms, research funding reforms, and the
implementation and follow-up of the reforms. The overall reform will be implemented in 2014–2
017.

Broader role proposed for successful Academy of Finland

An
international evaluation of the Academy of Finland commissioned by the Ministry of Education and
Culture has been completed. The evaluation considers the Academy successful in its mission to
finance high-quality scientific research and that the portfolio of funding instruments meets the
expressed needs of the Finnish research community.

The evaluation recommends that the Academy’s role should be extended into strategic research
funding and it should play a more active role in science policy in Finland.
Press release

Work to update Finland’s national roadmap for research infrastructures underway

The Finnish Research Infrastructure Committee
has started its work to update the national roadmap for research infrastructures. The aim is to
compile information on projects that should be maintained or included in the new national roadmap
for research infrastructures.

Finland’s national RI roadmap will be updated in 2013 at the latest, and the national expert
group for research infrastructures in Finland will assess the urgency and priority level of
projects included in the roadmap.

Science policy in Finland

The aim of science policy in Finland is to promote science andknowledge based competence; assure
the quality, impact and positive international development of research and researcher training; and
promote the development of an efficient and blanket research system in cross-sectoral cooperation.
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International cooperation

Finland takes part in international interaction in research both in practice and in science policy
within the European Union as well as with other countries. The EU R&D Framework Programme is an
important part of the cooperation. Finland also participates in many international research
organisations and networks.
> Science policy